New People’s Army. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—After two soldiers were captured by members of the New People’s Army, the Philippine Army on Thursday said that they are on the process of taking them back.
Lieutenant Norman Tagros, civil military operations commander of the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Battalion, said they confirmed the abduction of Private First Class Jerrel Yorong and Private First Class Marnel Cinches on Thursday.
Members of the New People’s Army abducted Yorong and Cinches on August 22 while en route to Barangay (village) Buntungon, Impasugong, Bukidnon.
Tagros said the two soldiers came from a livelihood workshop and were set to join their team when four armed men intercepted them.
“When they were abducted, we did not know who the abductors were until the NPA admitted to the deed,” Tagros said.
A certain Noel Gabuki and an alias Ading were the supposed leaders of the group that abducted the two soldiers.
“The two were unarmed and wore civilian clothes as they were conducting a livelihood mission, not military operations,” Tagros said. “Their purpose was peace and development.”
After the abduction, Tagros said that their rescue and recovery missions would be stepped up.
The Army has also sought the help of religious leaders and community officials in the mission to free the two captives.